Heer coms York’s furst annual Not Your Average Spelling Bee

All members of York’s community are invited to a fundraising lunch for the United Way Toronto on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 11:45am to 1pm at the Underground. Tickets are just $12 and include a fun-filled show, a light lunch and a donation in support of United Way Toronto.

This is a new United Way event hosted by the Office of University Events & Community Relations (UECR). The spelling bee will be moderated by Dean Alice Pitt, Faculty of Education.

To register a four-person team to compete for the title of  York’s Best Spellers, refer to the game details and submit a team registration form.

Why not plan to join the rest of your colleagues for this special lunch? If you are interested in attending organizers ask that you fill out the online RSVP, and enter event code "bee".

The York University Bookstore launches a new fundraiser for the United Way

The York University Bookstore is launching Every Dollar Counts, a new fundraising initiative to benefit the United Way Toronto. Starting today and running until Dec. 23, you can support the United Way Toronto by adding a dollar to your bill at the checkout.

The proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward York’s 2008 United Way Campaign, which has a goal of raising $200,000 for the United Way Toronto.

“I think this initiative represents for all of us, including students, a good way to develop the habit of helping others,” says Steve Glassman, director, Bookstore, printing & mail services. “It offers an easy way for everyone to make a small donation. Every dollar raised for the United Way is important.”

Glassman says he hopes to be able to repeat the fundraiser for future campaigns.

The York University Bookstore has created a simple and efficient system to facilitate the transaction by using a special bar code that is scanned at the checkout.

The United Way Toronto is working to improve the lives of many by building on strong partnerships with community leaders, business, labour and government, to target the critical social issues affecting the quality of life in Toronto.

The services supplied by United Way member agencies are essential to those affected by rising prices and job losses. Member agencies focus on alleviating unemployment, hunger and homelessness; assisting troubled neighbourhoods, newcomers and people struggling with addictions; and helping those with AIDS/HIV. As well, the United Way member agencies offer important support to people with disabilities, women who have been abused, seniors and young children. For 2008, the United Way has identified three priority areas: strengthening neighbourhoods, creating opportunities for youth and helping to fulfill the potential of newcomers.

Visit the United Way Toronto Web site to find out more about how donations are used to support social services and health agencies in delivering services.